I walked on the earth in New Caledonia

Directed by

Bruno Victor-Pujebet

Written by

Aline Richard, Mathieu Vidard

Produced by

IRD, Bonne Compagnie / Diff : France 2

Documentary, France, 2010, 52 min

New Caledonia is one of the pearls of the Pacific − a place of enchantment, with paradisiac beaches and lagoon. Its extraordinary wealth of biodiversity also makes it a Mecca for scientists. Beneath the surface of its blue waters lies a coral reef that is home to 15,000 plant and animal species.

During a surprise-filled diving trip, Mathieu Vidard encounters loggerhead sea turtles, which regularly come to the shores of New Caledonia to lay their eggs. This breathtaking sight highlights the fragility of the setting: pollution has led to a proliferation of toxic microalgae that contaminate fishes, making them poisonous to human beings. Pharmacologists are studying a medicinal plant that may provide the solution. Meanwhile, a project based in the mountains is focusing on curious candy-pink fungi and plants with fluorescent sap that are capable of adapting to a hostile environment.

Debate with :

• Mathieu Vidard, Producer, radio host on France Inter's La tête au carré
• Geneviève Bourdy, ethopharmacologist, researcher at IRD